So many different anniversaries we note in these human lives we lead. We anticipate them, celebrate some and mourn others. We memorialize significant historical and celebratory events, the bad and good: D.Day, 9/11, the first pandemic lock down, the 1977 Blazer NBA win, February 14, 1859 Statehood. Some anniversaries remind us of accomplishments: we reminisce … Continue reading The anniversary emotional rollercoaster
grief
What is Place?
I feel Place in my soul. The power of Place in my writing is almost impossible to explain. Writers combine place with time and events to “show not tell” more than a description: who or what is in this place, why are they there, how do they relate to what is happening in that moment … Continue reading What is Place?
A gift for Father’s Day
I haven’t before pitched My Music Man as a Father’s Day story, a gift to give a father or someone who’s missing a father or loves their own father. And yet, readers have told me my memoir is just that. Not that your father was like my father or that your relationship was like mine, … Continue reading A gift for Father’s Day
Pedaling between headstones
It's not like I woke up thinking yesterday would be the day to hang out in a cemetery. I did plan to take the day off, overwhelmed by stress related to work these past few weeks. A good day to take a hike, work in the yard, or take a bike ride. I miss commuting … Continue reading Pedaling between headstones
The books that inspire us
Me, Ocean Park, WA, 1972. As I finished the final draft of my memoir, I spent some of my free time reading other memoirs, a genre I had always been drawn to. As I worked through my own story, my grief, purposefully cutting out stories that I liked but that ultimately had little to do … Continue reading The books that inspire us
Just do it
Now, I bet you thought this would be about getting vaccinated. Not exactly. Okay, kind of. The other day I looked up a condition I heard referenced earlier in the week on OPB, distracted in that moment of airtime but its message loitering in my brain. For later. Something my brain best remembered as a … Continue reading Just do it
Sorrow, renewal and little altars
Earlier this week my friend asked me if she could share something she had been wanting to mention, but wasn't sure I was ready to hear. Yes, I replied. I'm game. I'm good. She reminded me that as part of the loss I have experienced recently, I have lost being anyone's daughter. Anyone on earth, … Continue reading Sorrow, renewal and little altars
Siblings: When the going gets tough…part 2
The other day was National Siblings Day. In years past I’ve shared a goofy picture, remarking on my place as only daughter in a family of five kids. Placed strategically in the middle. I write this blog with a bit of hesitation, as I know I am darn lucky to have the relationship I do … Continue reading Siblings: When the going gets tough…part 2
127 nights to treasure forever
For 127 days I greeted Mom in the morning, sang Barges at night and recited the Lord’s Prayer. She lay in her hospital bed, dining room table pushed to the wall, chandelier cabled close to the ceiling. Most nights she joined me in phrases as we sang about barges flickering lights, resurrecting distant memories for … Continue reading 127 nights to treasure forever
February 14 anniversary memories
For much of my life February 14 meant Valentine's Day. During childhood we would cover shoeboxes with construction paper and red hearts, cut a slit on top and arrive at school armed with the box and valentines for each kid in the class, our bellies primed for chocolate and sugar. (Except the day I had … Continue reading February 14 anniversary memories
